US Government Addresses Detention of Teacher in Russia
- The White House is actively pursuing the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher imprisoned in Russia.
- U.S. officials have attempted to include him in a prisoner exchange, emphasizing their commitment to securing his return.
- The ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations amidst rising tensions.
In a recent appearance on CBS News’s *Face The Nation*, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Finer refrained from discussing the specifics of the case involving Paul Fogel, a 63-year-old American teacher imprisoned in Russia. Fogel was convicted in 2021 for smuggling 17 grams of marijuana and sentenced to 14 years. Finer emphasized the unpredictability of such situations, stating, “Predictions about future events like this is not a business I want to be in.” Fogel, who had been teaching at the Anglo-American School in Moscow since 2012, is among approximately 20 US citizens excluded from a recent multi-national prisoner swap. His family remains hopeful that the US government will continue advocating for his release. During the interview, Finer assured that the Biden administration is committed to bringing Fogel back to his family and is implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Finer also highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about travel risks for Americans in certain countries and mentioned collaboration with Congress to create sanctions against nations that engage in wrongful detentions. Following the announcement of the prisoner swap, Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, along with other lawmakers, urged the administration to include Fogel in the exchange, citing his health issues and unjust imprisonment. Despite the challenges, some individuals involved in advocacy for Fogel are contemplating a return to Russia, expressing a desire to continue their political activism from abroad, even as they acknowledge the risks posed by Russian authorities.